To 'Moscow, Belgium' via the Hamptons Film Festival

New York City with its constant bustling heartbeat can become a tiresome place. Admitting so it’s never easy; especially for hardcore New Yorkers like yours truly – though it’s often necessary to remain true to heart and honest to the city. This is one of the reasons why many people leave for the neighboring boroughs and beaches to relax and collect themselves. One of these many points of interests is The Hamptons (East Hampton, South Hampton, and Sag Harbor) – on that little stretch of land called Long Island – popular during the summer with the infamous and well-known celebrities and elite alike. However, no one ponders on what The Hamptons can offer during the early fall season of the year in New York. The Hamptons International Film Festival is one of these rare and renowned offerings to many New Yorkers who love to get away – though not very far away – to enjoy some grand filmmaking.

 

Now on its 16^th year the Hampton International Film Festival is showcasing a great array of domestic and international films, discussion panels, family events and much more. For five days (October 15 to 19) East Hamptons becomes the premier spot for the film industry in New York; where newcomers and established filmmakers present their project to the ever critical but passionate local audience. If one is to talk about getting away without flying away, the HIFF offers and array of international films from the dramatic to the hilarious that will translate into an immediate connection; and yes subtitles might be involved.

 

Of course, sometimes a film is so well-crafted and enigmatic that no subtitles are needed – the emotions on the silver screen are easily convened as part of the universal language and connection everyone has. Such is the case with ‘Moscow, Belgium’ – showing this weekend at the HIFF. Already a winner at this year Cannes – during the International Critic’s Week - for Best Film and Best Screenplay Moscow, Belgium is nothing short of an engaging and realistic film. The story revolves around Matty (Barbara Sarafian) a lonesome and blunt post office clerk living in the outskirts of Ghent. She suddenly finds herself in the middle of the road – and her life – dealing with a husband having a mid-life crisis, a troubled 17-year-old daughter, and a handful couple of kids. Life is normal, or at least, she pleads in the film that’s all she ever wished for; a simple life.

 

That is until she meets truck driver Johnny – ten years her junior – who seems completely at odds with himself and the rest of the world. But unlike other films that can make a romantic storyline into a slush fest ‘Moscow, Belgium’ is genuine and unabashed just as its leading heroine. Who knew that a film about a woman’s journey towards happiness and love could be so superb? Kudos to the HIFF for showcasing such an outstanding film to the New York audience and a well-deserved bravo to the filmmakers and actors whose unique styles and credible performances makes ‘Moscow, Belgium’ a gem of a film. So it seems that it doesn’t take much to enjoy a different part of the New York City life and appreciate some excellent world cinema.